2 Chapter 20

Chapter 20 - 1761 to 1776: POTUS

The story of the USA is a unique one in 1761. It is the first nation which, against a much larger and more powerful overlord, won its independence. It is by no means the first colony to gain statehood. Haiti separated itself from Norge, but only after its overlord was in a weakened position. De Nederlandse Antillen did the same, as the Netherlands was nearly entirely destroyed in Europe.

The Asturian Conference begins on the 20th of October, 1761. It lasts 3 days, but the terms decided on the first day between the delegates, a harsh set of terms that were not popular with many of the delegates. They knew it would not be popular with Europe. The United States of America, the land they proclaimed as a nation free from tyranny and oppression, a land of freedom and liberty, looks to be becoming just another imperialistic, conquering power. Of course, many nations would overlook this in the view that the loss of America greatly weakens the Empire of Britain, who is still the most powerful naval force in the world and one of the most powerful armies.

Acadia and Florida are taken from Radekzia and Galicia respectively. For now, they remain as territories of the new Union, but they could easily become full states.

It is then that the official Republic of the United States of America is announced. Another thing lefts to be decided: the ruler of the nation. Qwerty Wulfwaru has been interim Chancellor for the 5 years of the revolution, but even he knows he was not the main player in the American victory. That was Verigan Cadwal. The most popular, most beloved man in America, it was easy to foresee that he would some day lead America. Wulfwaru knows it is futile to campaign against the man and steps down willingly as Congress and the citizens demand that Cadwal become the first ruler. He is given the title President and construction on a new presidential home and Capitol in Delaware begins.

Diplomatic relations are established with those countries willing to recognize the USA. Alliances are kept with Picardy, Carinthia, and Russia. The first country to have come out denying the existence of the USA is Morocco, a North African nation which currently only controls the Canary Islands.

Work begins on integrating the new territories into the Union, and, most importantly, defining the laws of the Union itself. Also, the army and navy are put in peacetime position, harbors are reopened for trade after the blockade, and American colonists push slowly deeper into the New World. Despite the proclamation that all men are born equal, African Americans, especially in the southern states, remain as slaves, mostly in plantations.

The alliances in Europe break down by 1764, and new allies are sought out. Haiti agrees to an alliance with the USA in January. While not the powerful ally that Russia or Carinthia was, Haiti offers a decent navy and army for its size.

In 1765, the nation is looking fine. The income from taxes and trade has managed to pay off all the war debt, and most of the newly acquired land has been integrated. The only issue is the tension between separatists and loyalists around the nation. The separatists, who call themselves patriots, true Americans, continue to treat loyalists, those who thought that remaining in the Empire was the best choice, as second class citizens.

In October, the first real Presidential election takes place, and Cadwal is voted back into office by a landslide. He tells the nation that this will be his last term.

War is declared on Potawatomi in Ohio in 1766, and American troops enter the land. Potawatomi's ally, the Miami tribe, is made an American protectorate and Potawatomi is completely annexed.

In 1768, the new territories are integrated, and Memphremagog is made capital of the new state of West Acadia, Halifax is in East Acadia, and Mayaimi is in Florida.

It appears that the American Revolution, 8 years later, is inspiring other independence movements. Colombia, colony of Castile, declares independence in June of 1769. With her is New Castile and Occidentalia (California).

In 1769, Cadwal's second term comes to an end. As promised, it is his final term, and he steps down and retires to his estate in Virginia called Mount Vernon. In his stead is President William Spencer, former ambassador to Russia. One of his first orders is for a full 'diagnosis' of the diplomatic, political, and military situation of the world.

War is declared on Caddo in 1770, and they are annexed a few months later. But Spencer's wars do not end there. Shawnee is also invaded and incorporated.

The 15th anniversary of the Declaration (which is considered by many the birth date of the nation) comes and goes on November 14th, 1771. As usual, it is seen as a public holiday. So far, the nation is doing incredibly well for so fiery a start. \

Teutonic South America follows the USA and the Castilian colonies in declaring independence in 1773. No nearly every colony in the New World is fighting for independence.

Spencer's term ends in 1773. He was not as popular as Cadwal, and he is replaced by John Douglas. His first act is to order the construction of new shipyards in Florida to increase the USA's naval power.

The Castilian colonies make peace with Castile in 1775. Instead of independence, they are given merely more autonomy, as well as money every month to help the colonies develop their economies.